The question isn’t why take the Eurostar between Paris and London, but why wouldn’t you?
Do not underestimate the Eurostar travelling from Paris to London. Standing at the platform in Gare du Nord, the 18 carriage train curls ahead out of sight like an endless silver snake striking for Britain. “Ze advice?” suggests the French steward checking his watch. “Run.”soundtrack and the Olympic spirit engulfing the city I explode into the 400-Metres-With-Wheelie-Bag-And-Coffee-Cup Sprint when suddenly a whistle blasts.
Even without Flo Jo-like speed I could’ve completed the platform sprint plus a pause to nonchalantly puff on an imaginary Gauloises. But the staff are less laissez-faire because, thanks to Brexit, this train has special status including border controls and luggage checks pre-departure. Eurostar suggests arriving 90 minutes early for London bound trains, halved to 45 minutes if in their first class equivalent Business Premier class .
I wonder who’s paying the €375 for Business Premier and the answer is, everyone. The cabin is almost full on this mid-week 8.42am train, with business commuters toting only laptops.Carriage 1 occupants have also caught Olympic fever and are typing for gold. Such athletic endurance makes the offered double meal understandable. As the multilingual server presents pastries, fruit and juices she warns, “there is still a three-course main meal to come.” What she doesn’t add is, “in only 20 minutes”.
Business Premier has the same roomy seats as Standard Premier . But this class includes business lounges , fast track ticket gates , the Michelin chef designed hot meals, Piper-Heidsieck champagne and fully flexible tickets, refundable even after departure.Apart from luxury and flexibility, sustainability is the standout factor. The amount of CO₂ emitted per Eurostar passenger is 2.4 kilograms compared to 66 kilograms if flying .
With up to 20 departures daily there are no baggage carousels, airport trek, liquid restrictions or extra immigration, plus a generous luggage allowance of three pieces in Business Premium – you can even ship a javelin or canoe with their First Luggage partner. I happily have neither but discover that the train from Frankfurt is faster and far more convenient than flying. It’s Europe’s transport winner by a mile.The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox.
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